Driver-focused, high-tech helps to bring safety features to refuse collection vehicles.
By Katie Kauzlaric
In the realm of vehicle safety, luxury cars have long been at the forefront of innovation, pioneering advanced technologies designed to help protect the driver and passengers. Now, the benefits of these safety features are no longer exclusive to high-end automobiles. Technology once reserved for luxury vehicles is making its way into unexpected places, including refuse collection vehicles (RCVs), revolutionizing safety innovation in the waste management industry.
Creating a Safe Environment
Due to their size, weight, and frequent stops, RCVs can pose safety challenges for drivers and pedestrians. However, rapid advancements in safety technology inspired by luxury cars, military vehicles, and aircrafts are being used to address the safety challenges specific to refuse collection and helping create a safe environment for RCV operators and drivers on the road.
One notable feature making its way to RCVs is forward collision warnings with autobraking. This technology uses sensors and cameras to detect objects or vehicles in the path of the RCV and can alert the driver of an impending collision. In certain situations, the system can automatically apply the brakes to help mitigate a collision. By providing an additional layer of awareness and intervention, forward collision warnings with autobraking can help address the risks of accidents caused by unexpected road hazards, driver distraction, or incidents.
Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection is another cutting-edge feature finding its place in new RCVs. This system is designed to detect pedestrians or cyclists in the vehicle’s vicinity and can initiate emergency braking if a collision is imminent. As RCVs often navigate through densely populated areas with high pedestrian traffic, this technology can help reduce accidents and contribute to overall road safety.
Lane departure warnings, a safety feature using technology that originated with video, laser, and infrared sensor systems, are also being integrated into RCVs to notify drivers of unintended lane drifting. By monitoring the vehicle’s position within the lane, this system alerts the driver if they begin to veer out of a lane without signaling. This can help keep RCVs in the intended lane and away from other vehicles and obstacles such as parked cars, curbs, or mailboxes.
Blind spot detection technology is also being adapted for use in RCVs to assist drivers. Large vehicles, like RCVs, can create large blind spots due to their size. Blind spot detection systems use sensors and cameras to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and provide visual or audible warnings to the driver when an obstacle is detected in the blind spots, helping the driver keep track of surrounding obstacles during maneuvers such as turning or reversing.
Driver Awareness
These enhanced features have been made possible by the advancements of computer-assisted video and sensor data pioneered by researchers in the defense, automotive, and aircraft industries. Integrated computer systems, like the ones used in high-end electric vehicles (EVs) that include advancements in telematics, are also finding their way into vehicles.
By enhancing driver awareness and obstacle detection and providing automatic braking, these innovations not only enhance the satisfaction and well-being of RCV operators, but also take into account pedestrians and other road users who share the streets with these essential vehicles. The addition of other advanced features designed specifically for RCVs, such as maximized windshield visibility and curbside automation, further promote safe operation.
Using light detection and range sensors, robotics, and video technology developed for other applications, curbside automation is being optimized for use in RCVs. With curbside automation, the operator controls collection operations with the push of a button inside the cab. Curbside automation also enables a left-side driving position with side-loading RCVs, which enhances operator comfort and can simplify the learning curve for new operators.
Looking Ahead
Advancements for safety technology for RCVs will likely continue to draw inspiration from adjacent industries. Future features may include enhanced sensor capabilities for “bird’s-eye view” visibility, predictive analytics and autonomous driving.
Imagine a RCV equipped with a sophisticated network of computer-assisted sensors and cameras, providing real-time data on surroundings, and anticipating situations before they arise. Coupled with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, such a system could proactively identify and avoid obstacles, navigate complex urban environments with precision, and quickly adapt to changing road conditions.
Technological advancements in safety are moving more rapidly than ever into heavy-duty vocational vehicles. The time it takes for these types of technologies to find their way into vocational vehicles is no longer measured in decades.
The rapid integration of safety technology into RCVs represents a transformative shift in the waste management industry. By adopting advanced features such as forward collision warnings, automated emergency braking, lane departure warnings, blind spot detection, maximized windshield visibility, and curbside automation, RCVs are continuing to advance at a swift pace and are ultimately creating a technologically advanced and sustainable environment for all. | WA
Katie Kauzlaric is Director of Marketing for Oshkosh Corporation – Vocational Segment. She can be reached at [email protected].